The Devils' top 3 prospects entering the 2026-27 season
JP Gambatese dives deeper into the best New Jersey's farm system has to offer.
By JP Gambatese (@JP_Gambatese)
The New Jersey Devils have restocked their cupboard a fair amount this off-season, enjoying a well-regarded draft, accumulating future assets, and trading for the likes of Amadeus Lombardi.
With that, let’s talk about the cream of the crop – the top three prospects in the system – entering the 2026-27 season.
3. Matias Vanhanen
The Devils drafted Vanhanen in the second round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft after moving back two spots from their original placement at 35.
At the time, it was considered an off-the-board pick, but the reality is that the 18-year-old playmaker could be a legitimate weapon in due time.
Vanhanen was a rookie in the WHL last season, coming over from the U20 SM-sarja, and he still managed to lead his team in points – a team that rostered Carter Bear and Landon DuPont, mind you.
He was an integral part of the most threatening line in the entire CHL, accumulating more assists (66) than games played (62).
As you might be able to tell from that statistic alone, Vanhanen’s strengths lie mostly on the playmaking side of things.
His vision is special, mapping out plays in his head several steps in advance and having the passing chops to execute on any and all plays.
He can thread passes through multiple layers of sticks, sauce it over a defender off the rush, use the boards to creatively get the puck to a teammate, and playmake from anywhere on the ice.
Vanhanen needs to become more dynamic as a shooter (which will also feed his playmaking game), but his game is well-rounded otherwise.
He’s an above-average skater who excels at using his edges to create space for himself and his teammates. He has strong defensive habits and an extraordinarily active stick; one that is disciplined to boot. He works hard on the ice and is never out of a play.
All told, this is a player who, in due time, should be a shoo-in for top-nine minutes at the NHL level.
Perhaps there’s even a route for him to become a top-six forward, given his exceptional facilitation chops.
Vanhanen is matriculating to the NCAA next season, where he is expected to play in a top-six role at Boston College. Expect him to be productive right off the bat.
